ENVELOPE FILTER
Sep 1, 2005 12:00 PM
LETTER OF THE MONTH
GOOD RAP
I was excited to read about DJ Rap (“Frequencies,” July 2005) and what she had to say about being a female artist in the studio. I'll admit, I'm relatively new to the world of writing, recording and production, but already I'm realizing it's mostly a guy's world when it comes to equipment and software. I'm only now getting really serious with my own equipment, but I know how important it is for a girl (or a person in general) to really know how to use what they have. Granted, a professional studio will always be able to offer more, but I like the feeling of self-sufficiency knowing that I am in control of my mix and that I know exactly what I need to do to achieve the results I want. My meager little home studio consists of Sony's Acid Music 3.0 and a Webcam for a microphone, but I don't let that keep me from trying to make my music. And it's worth it to hear what people have to say after they've heard what I can do and ask, “Really? A Webcam?” Of course, it would be nice to get a real microphone one day.
And I am so glad that DJ Rap said what she did about listening to her mixes in her car. That's not weird at all, because that's what I do! I can't imagine how many hours and how much gas I have used going for long drives to listen to my mixes again and again before I decide that they're done. Some of the guys I know, with their fancy monitor systems, laugh at me for driving around, but I figure, if it works, it works. Anyhow, thanks for the inspiration.
Eileen Forthman
Lawton, Okla.
For sending in the “Letter of the Month,” Eileen Forthman receives a Samson C01U ($234.99) USB studio condenser microphone. If you send in the most inspired correspondence next month — or simply the letter we like the best — you will win one, too. All you have to do is send an e-mail to remixeditorial@primediabusiness.com. Please include your full mailing address.
IS THAT WHAT WE SAID?
So you're saying that it's okay to make “music” like Ying Yang Twins' because of their disabilities (“Editors' Note,” July 2005)? They deserve special consideration because of their tough lives? It's okay that they use foul-mouth lyrics and are obscene whenever possible? Because they're selling lots of CDs, it must be okay? Isn't that like condoning drug traffic? Drug dealers have a great business plan and make lots of money; therefore, it's okay? It's garbage, and you know it is. That kind of rationale makes me question the rest of the reviews and articles within your pages. It's about time you interview some real musicians, isn't it? Trent's interview was great. Colette can actually sing good. Black Eyed Peas are good. Björk is in a class of her own. Those people are musicians.
The reason people use foul language is a lack of vocabulary. Get an education! With all that gutter-trash “music” that they're making money on, are they putting any of it into the community? I doubt it.
Dale Atkin
Plymouth, Mich.
Dale — We understand your reaction, but we try to represent a variety of musical tastes in Remix, and regardless of the duo's style (or use of profanity), it's inspiring to us that Ying Yang Twins pressed on despite their disabilities. We think there is a positive message that readers can take from their story. Having said that, we do prefer the clean version of “Wait (The Whisper Song).” — The Editors
ONE-STOP SHOP
The other day, I went to Borders in San Francisco to try to find another music magazine to subscribe to, but they all were either about just hip-hop production, computer production or hardware production. I love Remix because it is so well-rounded. You cover everything from drum 'n' bass to hip-hop, software to hardware, and all this has made me a better DJ and producer. I used to be a straight-up hip-hop head who would only listen to hip-hop. Now, I'm so open-minded to music that I just got a Dusty Springfield record. I just wanted to say thanks, and I bet you have helped a lot of readers, and they would want to thank you, too.
Renso Land
San Francisco
THEY MIGHT BE MISTAKEN
I really like your headline on the story “Now It's Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” (“Frequencies,” August 2005). Is this supposed to be funny or what? It sounds like this magazine is mixing music with politics — what's the deal with that? Turkey is a beautiful country, but the headline is just disgusting! It's a disgrace to the dumb editor; he should be fired. Maybe he is an uneducated man that doesn't know anything in life yet and needs to learn how to talk to the audience. Music is music, and politics is politics. Don't mix the two together. How about there's an article in Remix saying “Palestine Is Israel” or “Israel Is Palestine”?
Anonymous
via e-mail
Anonymous — Although we apologize for any offense taken, the title was simply a reference to and lyric from They Might Be Giants' “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” from the album Flood (Elektra, 1990). We can assure you of absolutely zero political intent. By the way, Editor Kylee Swenson is a woman. — The Editors
RESOURCEFUL READER
I am writing in response to “Headphone Headache” (“Envelope Filter,” August 2005), in which the writer complains about a poorly designed set of headphones he purchased from a leading manufacturer. Even though the writer didn't name the company, I know exactly which cans he bought, for I, too, purchased these name-brand technical disasters. I was glad to hear that I was not the only buyer for whom these headphones cracked and then broke at the swivel joints. After a few months of use, my headphones developed cracks and then snapped apart, leaving me with limp phones and a gash behind my ear caused by the jagged plastic.
I wrote to the manufacturer and was told they don't warranty headphones because of the use and abuse most sustain at the hands of DJs. I was told a similar story by the online retailer who sold me this lethal excuse for personal monitors. I share the writer's anger at major equipment manufacturers who seem to care more about a fast buck than standing behind the gear they market with glossy and expensive ads in magazines like yours.
In the end, I have found a way to make my wounded phones work: A bit of superstrength epoxy and electrical tape have made my investment usable. It's just too bad that after spending $150, I have the DJ equivalent of nerd glasses.
Andy Austin
via e-mail
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