ENVELOPE FILTER
Jan 1, 2009 12:00 PM
LETTER OF THE MONTH
SONGS IN THE KEY OF INSPIRATION
At a young age, I always had this notion that music was a way to connect. Today, with all of the technology available, music is much more widespread and easier to access. Being a DJ, it's a good thing for me to allow my audiences to hear what I introduce to them and not just what they are fed through the radio and such. I've even gone so far as to edit/remix/produce some of my music to accompany my set. It's that connection with music that has allowed me to make new friends through DJ gigs. Whether it's at a club or at a private party, music has inspired me to be where I am today. I am an avid reader of Remix. I've read some great articles and reviews, but my favorite section is toward the back in your “Rotations” CD reviews. Every month, I at least buy one CD/album from [one that was featured in] that section. As a DJ, I've got newfound respect for the artist making this music: It is hard work and takes talent, and I just wanted to say thanks to them and to you for the inspiration.
Giovanni Tello (G-Logix)
San Diego, Calif.
For sending in this month's winning letter, Giovanni Tello wins the Samson StudioDock 4i active USB monitors (MSRP: $249), which let you record, mix, sync and take your music with you. Stay tuned to Remixmag.com as we relaunch the Website and continue to give away a monthly prize; it just may not be for “Letter of the Month” anymore. Perhaps it may be “Underground Artist of the Month.” You'll just have to check back with the site to find out, won't you? And for more chances to win prizes for our current contests, visit http://remix mag.com/contest.
CAN I GET SOME LOVE?
The Chinese have a proverb that says, “May we live in interesting times.” And as we are watching history unfold before our very eyes, I think it is safe to say that indeed we are. I, too, have changes happening in my personal life. In just two short months, I will become a father for the first time. I know what you're thinking, “How is he going to find time to make music?” That very question has crossed my mind, but I think I found a solution. The brand of hip-hop beats I'm into is real aggressive, New York, street-type music. But then I have this other side of me that's on some sensitive “Kumbaya” tip that wants to play acoustic guitar. Go figure. And I heard it only takes 20 minutes to a half-an-hour a day of practicing the guitar to get decent in a relatively short period of time. This would be somewhat of a relief from the current two hours I spend a day banging out beats.
It's only been three weeks since I started the lessons and I still suck tremendously, but it's coming. I feel the music in my heart; I hear it in my mind; it pumps through my blood. It just hasn't reached my fingers yet. But it is coming. So does that mean I'm quitting the electronic-music scene and sacrificing the boom-bap on the altar of time efficiency? Hell, no! My guess is that the aggressive hip-hop side of me and the soft Kumbaya side will get married and have babies of their own — a weird thought. But until then, I have to practice, practice, practice and learn (gulp!) music theory and things like tablature — yikes! So I ask the Remix community to send out their happy thoughts as I embark on this journey of exploring different musical sensibilities, fatherhood and passing down the wonderful gift of music to the next generation.
Giancarlo Ghedini
Dix Hills, N.Y.
I FEEL YOU
My name is Bob, and I work for SKB Cases and help run an indie, as well as createmy own music. I just wanted to tell you that this month's Editor's Note,” “Don't Panic” (November 2008) really hit home. I always read the “Editor's Note” and tell myself I should e-mail [Kylee Swenson] and let her know she has a fan. I love the way you are real and honest regarding gear interviews and, in this issue, life. I feel the same way — I have a wife, a 6-year-old and one on the way — and feel the crunch like everyone else. But in the midst of struggle, I can't help but be inspired to “keep it movin'” and make music. Everyone needs music to relate express and connect the human energy we all are apart of.
Bob Incitti
SKB Corporation
WEBCASTS, TAKE TWO
I am a Remix subscriber and Remix Hotel New York City attendee, and I am wondering if the information from your Remix “Webcasts” is available after the fact in any format. I often have to miss them, but I am very interested in the recent “Recording Instruments: Integrating Real Sounds” and the “Understanding Bass Management.” Is there anything I can do?
Mark, via e-mail
Hey Mark — We totally understand that between making beats, surfing the Web and otherwise filling your time does not allow you to check out the Webcasts when they are “live,” so we're granting you this one-time deal. Go to remixmag.com/webcasts/webcast_archives, click on the 'cast you want to check out and view — you can thank us later.
OOPS…
On page 24 in the November 2008 issue, the feature on Bryan-Michael Cox (“Wizard of Oz”) states that he went to the High School of Performing and Visual Arts, which is located in Houston, not Miami.
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