LETTER OF THE MONTH
Nov 1, 2007 12:00 PM
VITAMIN R
Remix and Remix Hotel are vital to an independent artist. The magazine kills all the fluff and gives you the tools to succeed from the people who are successful at it. The Remix Hotel is like heaven on earth. I would not have the contacts I have if it wasn't for this event. If I somehow knew somebody who knew a guy who was friends with Talib Kweli, I might have been able to get my music to Blacksmith (Talib's label). While at Remix Hotel, however, I took the opportunity to speak with Talib directly. I got the proper label contacts, and they are waiting to hear some of my production. Need I say more?
I would love to see a few of the up-and-coming producers on the cover or in the magazine. Guys like Nitti, Needlz or other guys like Darkchild, who have platinum albums but no real press. I would also like to see a monthly piece done on truly unsigned and independent artists — guys like me who are in it for the love and to continue the artform.
Jeff Cobbs, aka DJ Chevy
Pittsburgh, Pa.
For sending in this month's winning letter, DJ Chevy wins his own Numark DJ iO USB audio interface (MSRP: $199). If you send in the most inspired correspondence next month — or simply the letter we like best — you'll win the Mackie Onyx Satellite FireWire recording system (MSRP: $499.99), which includes a full version of Tracktion 2 software. All you have to do is send a letter to remixeditorial@remixmag.com. Please include your full mailing address.
Q KEEPS IT REAL
I really enjoyed reading Q of Überzone's “Buck the Biz” column in the September issue of Remix. He touched on some very important issues of originality and creativity that are crucial to keep in mind in the modern age of the preset. Although many of today's music applications and gear come with great sounds to get us started, the true electronic musician must understand the concepts of sound design, synthesis, sampling and sequencing to tell their own story. In a world where everyone's a “producer,” crafting your own unique sound is essential.
I contacted Q via MySpace and had a very interesting dialog with him. I then interviewed him for my music blog (http://vinyllifemusic.blogspot.com) and have Remix to thank for publishing his very inspiring article. We all can very easily lose focus in these times of mass media and rapidly evolving technology. It is critical to be reminded that chasing trends will get us nowhere, and that we must create genuine music from the soul.
Phil Moffa
“Vinyl Life,” NY
LIQUIDATE, CONSOLIDATE
I have an Akai MPD24, a Novation XioSynth 25, an M-Audio Evolution MK449C and an M-Audio FireWire Audiophile, all being run through Reason 2.5 as a slave to Logic Express 7.3. All of that is plugged into a MacBook Pro 17-inch laptop, and I mostly make hip-hop, remixes and electronic tracks, as well as record some vocals and guitars. I need to make a mobile system to record vocals/guitars and a home system for when I mix. I wanna keep the XioSynth as my mobile unit, but for home, I feel like I have too much. I want to have a slimmed-down, productive studio with monitors. I was thinking of selling the MPD, Evolution and Audiophile for a Mackie Onyx Satellite, some KRK V8s and an M-Audio Axiom 61. I need some guidance.
Nick Groen
Via e-mail
Hi Nick — Sounds like you're on the right track, wanting to consolidate your two MIDI controllers for one with drum pads on it. The Axiom 61 is a fine choice, or if you really like the way the MPD 24 works, you may want to try the new Akai MPK49 keyboard MIDI controller with MPC-style pads. We'll have a review of the MPK49 in the next couple of months. The Onyx Satellite would be a good choice if you were going to also use its ability to convert into a mobile interface. But if you are still planning on using the XioSynth's audio interface on the go, the point of the Satellite's studio/mobile interface may be lost on you. Maybe consider the TC Electronic Konnekt 24D, which gives you some DSP processing that could take some load off the laptop. Or for fantastic audio quality for the studio and ultimate portability, you could try the new Apogee Duet 2-channel FireWire interface. It even has software features specially integrated with Apple Logic. — Markkus Rovito
IN SEARCH OF…
I'm trying to find the presets from Mo Volans article (p. 45) from the September issue on your Website. I've been all over the site but can't seem to find them. The article just refers to www.remixmag.com. Next time, is there anyway to put something like that in its own path or directory? Like, say , www.remixmag.com/mo_presets? Thanks.
Stuart Roholt
Via e-mail
Hey Stuart — We feel you, man. It totally blows when you can't find what you're looking for, like the time we were trying to find our bus transfer after a night of drinking in the city (“I swear I put it in my pocket…”). Anyway, the Remix Editors have heard your cries (and our own), and are reorganizing the Website. By the time you read this, we'll have all of our online extras organized into one media hub, where you can find everything from videos, extended articles and software downloads to samples, presets, screenshots and more. — The Editors
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