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Sep 1, 2008 12:00 PM

LETTER OF THE MONTH

PROGRESS IS GOOD

I've been making music on a more serious note for the past 10-plus years and have slowly built my studio up to what it is today. I've also valued magazines like Remix, Mix and EM, and I'm happy to say I now have subscriptions to all three. Every month I enjoy reading the letters from other artists/readers as well as keeping up to date on the reviews and opinions of the pros. Although I don't agree with some of what I read, it's still good to look at everything from all angles.

I'm currently running Pro Tools 7.3 on a Intel Core2 Duo 3 GHz PC with 4 GB of 800 MHz RAM — let's just say it works. I was feelin' your interview with 88-Keys in the May issue — that dude is a monster on the beats! But if he's using a Roland VS-2480, wouldn't that mean he is still using a DAW? All these guys that feel the need to stay with their hardware recorders are funny. I mean that's up to them, but I get sick of all these people trying to act like they're more original or better off not using software when it's the future. I started out recording to a Roland VS-880 (16-bit), then the 890 (24-bit) and went right to computers from there and could never go back. I also use the Akai MPC2000XL, Ensoniq ASR-10 and Novation XioSynth, among other live instruments/hardware (guitars, bass, steel drum, etc.). What I'm saying is, there's nothing wrong with progression. PCs and Macs are great for music production, and I couldn't care less about the debate between the two. To each is own, I guess. Let's just keep good music alive!
Aries Beatty
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

I THINK I CAN, I THINK I CAN

As an 18-year-old boy, music has been in my blood and a passion of mine since early middle-school days. If I'm not with friends, then it's another day I'll be spending on music, whether it's creating beats, experimenting with sounds, sometimes just using a guitar and my voice, or perhaps a pad and a pen. Because I openly share the music I make with friends (and occasionally strangers as well), I meet people who want to know how to make electronic music. I use a variety of programs as opposed to sticking to one, like I've seen many others do. Whether it's a friend asking or someone through MySpace, I get a lot of questions about what people should do to start out making their own electric sounds. Music programs are expensive and widespread in variety, not to mention confusing, especially to someone who's new to the game. I have a couple of starter tips.

First, don't be afraid to ask people. I've noticed that a lot of people starting out are afraid to ask questions for fear of sounding dumb or simply just not wanting to be assertive. But it's going to give you a huge boost to jump out there and ask as many questions as you can get answers for.

Second, go ahead and download some program demos and try them all. Some programs can be confusing. Some are very similar, and sometimes the differences are hard to see at first. My advice is to try not to look at production software like every one is a skill you can only master once. You never have to stick with just one. I use FL Studio and Reason, as well as Ableton Live occasionally.

Production can be complicated, but just read a little, ask questions and explore. Take things piece by piece and don't stress if you're confused. I sure was when I first started.
Anthony Clayton
Richland, Wash.

WHERE MY LADIES AT?

I was just at Remix Hotel NYC for the second time and loved it! If it wasn't for Remix, I wouldn't have known about such an awesome event, cool production tips and equipment. When I was there, however, I noticed that I was the only female in the room discussing how to use the M-Audio Torq DJ system. I couldn't understand why there weren't many females there. At least the males who did talk to me know I was a producer instead of some guy's girlfriend.

I just want to know, why aren't there many female DJs or producers featured in this magazine? I'm not blaming you guys for this, but from another standpoint, I feel that because they're not as big as the men are in the music industry that they don't get much recognition. There are a lot of female producers out there, and I would like to see them blow up as much as the men. I just would like to know, from a female's standpoint, how she got into this business and did she have a harder time because of her gender. That may be far from the reason why female producers are not featured as much, but I just wanted to express that feeling. But I still love this mag and everything about it. Thanks!
Jasmine
New York, N.Y.

PRESENTATION IS KING

I have to admit the July issue is a very good one. Big ups for doing an interview with The Roots. I feel that the underground music scene is the only one that enjoys them. The mainstream respects them because of uestlove, but don't fully give them their props. You have one of the best drummers in the world paired with a lyrical mind like Black Thought. This Def Jam deal is making the world see them more, and that's great.

Next, I'm glad you touched on the subject of gear manufacturers and endorsements (“Band Aid,” p. 52). I think a lot of magazines need to put tutorials and how-tos for the business side more. A lot of young and some older musicians don't understand why their career isn't going anywhere. It's mainly because of the way they're approaching companies. Everyone needs to understand that everything is about presentation.
Ashley Parker
New Bern, NC

WE EFFED UP

In “The Balancing Act” article on p. 14 of the August issue, we misquoted Steve Pageot during our excruciating transcription process. We quoted him as saying “Will [Roberson] just did a commercial for Garnier Fructis.” In fact, it was Wendell Hanes who did the Fructis spot. Sorry guys! — The Editors

For sending in this month's winning letter, Aries Beatty wins the Digidesign Transfuser virtual instrument (MSRP: $295). If you send in the most inspired correspondence next month — or simply the letter we like best — you'll win the Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro (MSRP: $279). All you have to do is send a letter to remixeditorial@remixmag.com. Please include your full mailing address. And for more chances to win prizes, visit http://remixmag.com/contest for the latest contests.

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