Books Aimed Only At DJs

Well, if anyone doesn't know that I do have a few technical issues - O.C.D. is definitely one of them. There are subjects that when I become fascinated with them, I go all out to do research that some would say is overdoing it, but that's how my mind works. I make lists upon lists, hour after hour, and I do that because there should be an actual working list of all this information that is collected.

And now for the list;

Ministry Of Sound: The Manual - By - Frank Broughton And Bill Brewst

How To Make Music In Your Bedroom - By - Nicola Slade

How To Make It In The Music Business - By - Sian Pattenden

Art Of Drum Layering - By - Eddie Bazil

Computer Orchestration: Tips And Tricks - By - Stephen Bennett

Cubase 5: Tips And Tricks - By - Stephen Bennett

Guide To Sound Mixing: Tips And Tricks - By - Eddie Bazil

Logic Pro 8: Tips And Tricks - By - Stephen Bennett

The DJ Handbook - By - Charles Slaney

The World Of DJs - By - Todd Souvignier

Music Business Made Simple: Start An Independent Record label - By - J.S. Rudsenke

Practical Recording: Reason - By - Thomas Aker

Practical Recording: Pro Tools - By - Christian Preissig And Mark Ziebarth

Practical Recording: Cubase SX - By - Erol Ergun

Practical Recording: Rhythm Programming - By - Mark Roberts

Propellerhead: Reason 4: Tips And Tricks - By - Hollin Jones

DJ Techniques - By - Tom Frederikse And David Sloly

How To Remix - By - Tim Prochak

Djing For Dummie: Second Edition - By - John Steventon

How To DJ Properly - By - Frank Broughton And Bill Brewst

The Turntable DJ Book - By - Ben James

Fast Guide To Propellerhead Reason - By - Debbie Poyser

How To DVJ - By - Charles Kriel

Speaker Building Now - By - Monacor International

Web Marketing For The Music Business - By - Tom Hutchinson

Understanding And Crafting The Mix - By - William Moylan

Fast Guide To Cubase SX - By - Simon Millward

Fast Guide To Cubase 4 - By - Simon Millward

Podcast Academy: The Business Podcasting Book - By - Greg Cangialosi

Audio Sampling: A Practical Guide - By - Sam McGuire And Roy Pritts

Audio Wiring Guide - By - John Hechtman And Ken Benshish

Hands On Guide To Streaming Media - By - Joe Fottansbee

Hands On Guide To Webcasting - By - Steve Mack And Dan Rayburn

The Dance Music Manual - By - Rick Snoman

Practical Recording Techniques: Fifth Edition - By - Bartlett And Bartlett

Analog Synthesizers - By - Mark Jenkins

Logic Pro 8 - By - Mark Cousins And Russ Hepworth - Sawyer

Mastering Audio: Second Edition - By - Bob Katz

Modern Recording Techniques: Sixth Edition - By - Davide Miles Huber And Robert E. Runstein

Music Technology Workbook - By - Paul Middleton And Steven Gurevitz

Numark DJ Course - By - Stephen Webber

Record Label Marketing - By - Tom Hutchinson And Amy Macy And Paul Allen

Sound FX - By - Alexander U. Case

Sound Synthesis And Sampling - By - Martin Russ

The Mobile DJ Handbook: How To Start And Run A Profitable Mobile Disc Jockey Service: Second Edition - By - Stacy Zemon

Sound Reproduction: Loudspeakers And Rooms - By - Floyd Teole

Mixing Audio: Concepts, Practices, And Tools - By - Roey Izhaki

Choosing And Using Audio And Music Software - By - Mike Collins

Creative Sequencing Techniques For Music Production - By - Andrea Pejrolo

The Microphone Book - By - John Eargle

Sound Systems: Design And Optimization - By - Bob McCarthy

Loudspeakers For Music Recording And Reproduction - By - Philip Newell And Keith Holland

Sound System Engineering: Third Edition - By - Don Davis And Eugene Patronis Jr.

Recording Studio Design: Second Edition - By - Phili Newell

Handbook For Sound Engineers: Fourth Edition - By - Glen Ballon

Teach Yourself To DJ - By - Rob Wood

DJ Skills: The Essential Guide To Mixing And Scratching - By - Stephen Webber

The Complete Guide To Remixing: Produce Professional Dance Floor Hits On Your Home Computer - By - Erik Hawkins

Digital DJ - By - Ben James

That is the list of books for now, if you know of any books, please feel free to contact me, and I will be more than happy to put them into the list. Hope you enjoy, and Happy Reading to all of you.

Slow Progression

I'm slowly working out the details little by little for the numerous projects that I have in the making. I'm planning on getting to my book projects, I think that I'm going to dictate them to a sound file and just pay the money to get someone to type them out for me. Not that I'm lazy, it's just that I'm of a perfectionist mindset so I have to constantly keep rereading through all that I've written to make sure that it's good - when, I already know deep down its good due to it coming off the top of my head, that's when I write or speak my best. 

Then there is the fund raising projects that are in the working, still can't move forward until I have a better idea of what to offer for incentives. My flatmate said to consider doing some designing of some sort, which to be honest doesn't sound that bad. Looking through my art portfolio from high school there are a lot of designs which could be duplicated and released, some of which are of an odd beauty but still none the less - they are well done. 

For now, that's enough of an idea of things to come. Stay Tuned

Album Review - Kesha - Cannibal

Way back when, I worked for a DJ company that my boss always bought cds that just weren't worth it. He'd buy "club land" cds that were always chock full of remixes - that while they were good, you just wouldn't use them anywhere outside of a rave or specialty electronic night club. Each week he'd purchase new cds, and he'd give them to me Friday night with the work order for the weekend festivities, yet after listening to them - I could tell what was going to be worth playing, and what just wasn't worth it. When it came to music I just had a natural instinct about what had "that" sound which could make or break the party. My average was fairly high in this area, so eventually my boss would come to me, and ask me to give the cds he purchased a listen. He cut down on wasteful expense this way, and it gave me an opportunity to listen to new music, but now I had the taste of selecting the cds that the other DJs in the company were given. 

We're going to look at Ke$ha's new album: Cannibal. It was released November 19th, 2010, but it was released to the North American market on the 22nd..This is what wiki has posted; "Critical reception of the album has been generally mixed to positive. A common complaint amongst critics was the overuse of auto-tune mainly criticizing that it was unneeded. The albums ballads were commonly listed as the album's standout tracks. A dispute amongst critics was the albums lyrical value. Some critics felt that they were vain and rude while others complimented Kesha for her authentic and unapologetic lyrical delivery."

 Now let's look at: Cannibal. There are nine [9] songs on the album,

1. Cannibal 3:14

2. We R Who We R - 3:24

3. Sleazy - 3:25

4. Blow - 3:40

5. The Harold Song - 3:58

6. Crazy Beautiful Life - 2:50

7. Grow A Pear - 3:28

8. C U Next Tuesday - 3:45

9. Animal [Billboard Remix] - 4:15

 Roughly, thirty-three [33] minutes of material. 

After looking at the wiki a bit closer for Ke$ha's Album: Cannibal, there are some interesting pieces of information that I think it's important to mention. The song "Sleazy" was released as iTunes Digital Download Exclusive October 29th to countdown the release of Cannibal. In Canada, the song "Sleazy" entered the Canadian Hot 100 on November 20th positioning itself at Number 46. In that same week, "Sleazy" entered the Billboard Hot 100 positioning itself at Number 51. The next song offered was the title track "Cannibal" being made available on November 5th. The next and final song offered was "Blow" made available November 12th.

"We R Who We R" was released as the EP's lead single on October 22, 2010. Kesha said she was affected by the recent teenage suicides, in particular Tyler Clementi who committed suicide after being outed as gay by his roommate. She elaborated, "I was really affected [..] having been subject to very public hatred [myself]. I have absolutely no idea how these kids felt. What I'm going through is nothing compared to what they had to go through. Just know things do get better and you need to celebrate who you are." She hopes the song will be an anthem for "weirdos", and said, "Every weird thing about you is beautiful and makes life interesting. Hopefully the song really captures that emotion of celebrating who you are. "We R Who We R" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, shifting over 280,000 digital copies. As such, the song became the seventeenth song in the history of the chart to accomplish that feat. The song has also reached number one in Australia, and number two in Canada.

My review of Ke$ha's NEW Album: Cannibal. [8 - 8.5]

I have to give it an eight possibly, an eight and half. My flatmate [Wisdom With T] had introduced me to a few of the songs already - he introduced me to "Cannibal", and "We R Who We R" - which I had stated that honestly, those are definitely going to be what I'd like to call "club bangers" they have that right sound that I always look for, and when I hear it I am always picturing how the song would do in a club. When I did hear them I figured that those are definitely going to be one of the first few songs to be released to help introduce Ke$ha's Album: Cannibal. Which when looking at "wiki" my thoughts were confirmed - We R Who We R was the first single from the album to be issued, which then was followed by "Sleazy", where "Cannibal" followed, and finally finishing with "Blow." I didn't see "Sleazy" coming, or "Blow" but after giving them a real solid listen to write this review, I can see how they can be used for the sake of a dance floor. It was a bit of a shocker though, that the first four songs are pretty much the most solid content on the album, which in my opinion if it weren't for those four songs, the album would only be widely received by the devote fans that Ke$ha has. The other five songs, while not bad - just didn't have the same "energy" that the album starts off with - which is a shame in my honest opinion. I think that the track listing should've been shifted somewhat to not so much make a person listen longer, but just to keep a flow to the album that I feel is lacking. 

It's apparent that Ke$ha has a lot to say, but with some of the songs - you have to wonder what does she have to say. I'm almost sure that for the sake of the album to be released the record execs requested a slow or otherwise "sappy" song that had to be included on the album, so here we it - The Harold Song. Honestly, it had content, it was interesting to see the lyrical style used in such a manner, but it just was lacking so I could only give this song a solid "5." Cannibal, features "Grow A Pear" which while not of the same caliber the album starts with, but rest assured this is a song that will be a good break up song for girl's. It's written nicely, and it has a catchy beat, but otherwise - it's only a statement that "Men suck" is what I got out of the song, so I could only give it a "6" but, I did have to give it a definite "++" to make sure that this is a track that should make honorable mention for girl's looking for that 'break up' to just get lost in, play over and over again - when a guy breaks your heart. "Crazy Beautiful Life" was a song that once again, while wasn't captivated right away by it's beat, and lyrics - it did do a good job at conveying a positive vibe. It's not incredibly bad, but it is going to be a song that those who "love" Ke$ha are going to appreciate her wit, her style, and once again - that attitude we've come to expect and love from her artistry, which found me giving it a "5" but, it did also make me think that it's possible for this song to go up so we give it " ^ _  " which means it can go up, but it can stay right where it is as well. "C U Next Tuesday" this song honestly, made me tap my foot to it, it was catchy, and it was definitely a welcome surprise, but it really didn't do too much for me, it was one of those songs that I think could've been left off "Cannibal" and no one would really miss it, yet once again if we come back to looking at it for what it is - the song is a "foot tapper" it should in all honesty grab you, and it just pays respect to Ke$ha's ability to give us "hooks" that we don't notice at first, but subtly find their way in to capture the unconscious mind, which I had to give it "6." "Animal: The Billboard Remix" was the final song on the album, now I wasn't in a rush for the album to end, but the song honestly didn't do anything for me. I appreciate it for the composition of it, and the lyrical value of it was almost fading, but to offer this song as a "remix" - it almost made me wish that they'd have used the original song, and included this as a "hidden bonus track." It really isn't bad, but I have to be honest and say it isn't "THAT" bad meaning once again, could we have left the song off the album, I have to give an emphatic "yes" would we miss it "no" - yet, to recognize the ability of remixer's today, I somehow felt let down. I looked at the track listing, and saw "remix" so in anticipation I was somewhat anxious to hear it, but as I listened to it - I couldn't help but think - if this is the remix - I'd hate to hear what the original version of the song sounds like. And with this I could only give it a "5" with a note of " - " to show that it was definitely lacking in my opinion. 

In closing what does that say about "Cannibal" - I gave the whole album an " 8 - 8.5 " for the reasons being that the first four songs; "Cannibal - 8 ++ > 9.5" "We R Who We R - 9 - 9.5" "Sleazy - 7.5 - 8" and finally, "Blow - 9 - ^ " these songs were really "THE" Album. Yet, to be fair, and honest - Ke$ha is a songstress with the ability to create "club bangers" she's good at it, and you can expect that she is going to put out a song that will fast become an anthem of the drunken variety. Why? She's great at creating that "hook", she knows how to write lyrics that don't just get into our minds, but they find us quickly singing along with the song, and she knows the sounds that compliment the lyrics - to create what many a man wants most "to see the ladies move" - I'm not being chauvinistic, but I'm being realistic about it. Ke$ha, created an album that will definitely give us more than enough new material to keep everyone moving and grooving until the next album comes out. I can't say it enough, when I was first introduced to "Tik Tok" I felt that she had incredible potential, and once again, in my opinion she doesn't let down in the least. We can definitely expect some more catchy lyrics, and some well made beats to keep coming from her; beautiful, young, fun, playful, smart, and witty - this is one artist that will be banging in the clubs, and cars for a while. 

Pro CD Player Alternatives

Now, this is by far one of my most favorite subject areas to talk about. I'm an absolute "gear head" there is nothing I love more than talking about DJ Equipment. Its great to look at how DJ Equipment has progressed from when I started out DJing. My first gig, where I was all alone to make the event happen was back in 1994, I was fourteen years old. I started to learn about DJing, in 1993 with my father, it was a way that we found a bond with one another - though, he hates to admit he was ever a DJ - he was good at what he did. My first gig was doing a Teen Dance in a local community that if you blinked - honestly, you'd be wondering where you were. I look back at the Equipment I used, I thought it was great especially when you're just starting out; I was given two Sony Single CD Players, a four channel Mixer that had at best 8 bit sound effects [Bomb, Telephone, Machine Gun, Laser, and two others that escape my memory] two Cerwin Vega speakers, a Crown Amplifier that had an integrated equalizer that was I think at best two hundred watts, then for lights - I had a strobe, and what my boss called a "whirly bird" and from time to time a "vertigo." Those were the days, but even from time to time would be given access to a single cassette player, and two record players that were placed in a coffin. Amazingly, yes I know what vinyl is, and am still a purist in its belief - it's finding itself to be outdated, and obsolete but still there will always be those that just love it for the nostalgic value it has in an Industry like ours.


So let's move on in the DJ Industry there are truly a handful of manufacturers that DJ's place their faith in. Yet, the two biggest names for the DJ Industry are; Pioneer, and Technics. Pioneer is renowned for their cd players, and mixers; their CDJ's and DJM's are always on the cusp of technology. There feature incredible sound quality always pushing the boundaries. Technics, since its release in 1978, SL-1200MK2 and its successors have been the most common turntable for DJing and scratching. Since 1972, more than 3 million units have been sold. It is widely regarded as one of the most durable and reliable turntables ever produced. Many of the models manufactured in the 1970s are still in heavy use. It wasn't until 1989, that Technics discontinued the making of the MK2's to introduce the MK3's. Now, though there are many others that make CD Players, DJ Mixers, Turntables - yet, what we're going to discuss are two manufacturers that have taken my interest. We're going to take a look at two companies, which are Reloop, and Synq Audio. Let's start first with Reloop.

Reloop - The Leading European Brand For DJ Equipment.


Among the world-wide suppliers of DJ equipment Reloop takes an exceptional position in many aspects.

Reloop is the most important German brand on the global DJ equipment market thus also taking the leading position among European manufacturers. With its unrivalled product philosophy Reloop is the only European brand that could establish itself among the big ones on the market which is otherwise solely dominated by the Japanese and Americans.

As opposed to most of the other suppliers that were originally active on the Hifi and audio market Reloop has always been a manufacturer for DJ technology. Reloop has evolved from a German garage company, founded by a group of specialized engineers who had a high affinity for DJs, to a globally operating company that equips mixing musicians in more than 40 countries.

The product philosophy also distinguishes Reloop considerably from other suppliers. From the first mixer that came on the market in 1996 up to the release of the first digital vinyl system in 2008 an approach was followed that can be described as grass-roots democracy:

Reloop's intention has always been to make its innovations accessible for a wide range of DJs – beginners, advanced and professionals – and not only concentrate on a small elite group of professional musicians. Due to a close connection to the DJ base, technology trends, design currents and user requests that were exactly tailored to the big audience of urban mixing artists have been taken on time and time again.

The combination of a well-balanced price-performance ratio and distinct German quality awareness is responsible for the enormous popularity that Reloop enjoys throughout all professionalization levels of deejaying.

Reloop stands exactly for true "Solutions for Deejays".

That is direct from their website. Which I have to be honest reading that, I was hit with that "wow" factor. I'm always looking at new technology when I hear about it, or see it - I spend time reading the articles, reading the manufacturer's sites, and then usually search "YouTube" to see if there is anymore information that is out there. In Canada DJing just doesn't have the same factor that it does in the United States. There are few places that you can go to try out that new piece of gear, that you can just mess around with it. I live in an area where there is one place that I know of where I can try gear that is in a higher demand such as Pioneer. Now, don't get me wrong - I really do enjoy Pioneer products, even way back when I was first introduced to them by way of a CDJ-700 and DJM 500 way back in 1998. Yet, while being on the search for new gear - I am always amazed at how the DJ Scene differs from geographic region to region. But I'm starting to digress, back to the matter at hand. 

The Reloop RMP-3, did win the DJ Tool Award 2010. The body of the unit from what I've gathered from other reviews of the unit is made of plastic. Some people don't mind, some people do mind - honestly, you can argue either point being a positive by who you talk with. The Reloop is packed full with features, but the really big one that is starting to appeal to me more and more is that it is MIDI compatible cross media player. I will be honest, I'd love to get my hands on a pair of units to give them a nice working out especially before purchasing a set, but it enters the market with a nice price tag right around $500 usd per unit. It has built in DSP effects -  Filter, Flanger, Skid, Echo, Trans, Phase, Pan, Break plus Hold - and these effects are able to be done with a ratio, and time parameter. There are some effects I like more so than others, yet while DJing I only really find that I use only a few Effects more so than others - I am a Filter freak, I really enjoy the sound of a low pass band filter, and I use the Auto Pan - when used properly I feel that it brings the elevation of the room up to another level. The unit features an Auto Loop function that is able to provide up to 7 selectable bar lengths. I really don't want to go into much more detail then that due to not being able to get my hands on the unit to try it out, but if you go to look at their website - really look at the features, look at the user manual, but really take a look at the videos of the unit in use. I have to say that I'm really impressed by the features that it has. 

Like I keep saying, I don't mind the big names, but sometimes it's the company that doesn't have such a huge marketing budget available to them that can surprise you. I mean when it comes down to it, you don't really have to worry too much about trying out a Pioneer CDJ - it's pretty much industry standard, and in just about every club the world over. So, you don't really have to take too many chances on spending the money for a unit that is so standardized, while it's the smaller manufacturers that always need to prove something before you really invest your hard earned money. So let's take a look at one other manufacturer that has caught my attention - Synq Audio is the name for all intensive purposes but, it's actually under the Berlec moniker. Once again, I've only ever see it online, haven't been faced with a chance to try it out. Otherwise, I wouldn't have even known about any of the Synq Audio products. So let's look at them. 

Once again, taken right from their website. 

Dear customer,

Founded in the early 80’s,

Beglec NV has today become one of the leading European suppliers in the field of Professional Sound & Light Equipment.
Our home brands have grown into industrial standards. With a distribution network spanning the European Community and beyond, we try to provide you with the best products at the best prices. This is why we put extensive effort into areas such as product development and staff training.
We take great pride in the competence of our after sales service and technical support department.

With the creation of the "SYNQ Audio Research" brand we also want to become a major player on the professional high-end DJ scene. SYNQ DJ-products are very carefully designed in collaboration with today’s top DJs.
All SYNQ audio equipment is thoroughly tested before market release. The SYNQ Audio Research brand is owned and registered by Beglec NV.

We welcome you as our potential customer and we invite you to have a closer look at our products on this website.

Luc De Bauw
General Manager

After a nice introduction about the company, I think now we're ready to dive into things. Their CD Player is introduced as the "DMC-1000" This unit is incredibly user friendly from what they are saying, but what makes one have to really give them a serious look is that the player has "firmware" in it, so it's capable of getting updates to it, but - more so, the unit is fully integrateable with different varieties of DJ Software; Deckadance, Traktor Pro, Virtual DJ. It features 3 built in DSP effects: Echo, Flange, Filter - which are manual or you can beat sync them. Once again, it's MIDI capable - as the DJ's role evolves so must the equipment, and MIDI is pretty much the norm now. I'm always interested to hear how units use digital effects to simulate the scratch on vinyl, I'm always critical of it for some reason. It has tempo control of 6%, 10%, 16%, 100% - not too bad, but I'd be honest I'd have preferred there to be something a bit closer to the 50% bend range - having a 10% then a 16% seems to be somewhat of a smaller range but, then again - usually we don't alter songs typically more then 3% up or down is what I was taught. Yet, with a "pitch lock" anything is now possible. This is another unit I'd love to get my hands on to work out with, it seems like it offers a lot of variety, and it's not out of the realm of adding more bells, and whistles then what's needed. I honestly, think that the unit presents some options especially to the other manufacturers out there, and I think that's important especially as the roles of a DJ are becoming more and more complex - having a unit that meets those demands is incredibly important. 

Let's wrap this up, shall we. Quality equipment is incredibly important, especially when you take into consideration the hours spent on it, learning it, pushing boundaries with it, and practicing with it - quality is important. You need to be able to rely on your equipment - but, there are other options that do exist then what we are presented, a marketing campaign does not a player make. I'm always about looking at new manufacturers, since there will be those times that you do strike gold, you'll find that additional piece of equipment that you feel enhances your performance, that it adds another depth, and dimension to your set. I took a chance years back on " Red Sound " I still have it, and make use of it - it's an invaluable piece of equipment that I honestly wouldn't trade for the life of me.

VJ - VeeJay

"Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. " John F. Kennedy

We're going to touch base on something that while still in it's infancy is still slowly starting to take over with it's innovative concept. VeeJaying was at first the name for a host who would introduce music videos, or segments that were rooted in the music video industry but, it's evolved to somewhat no longer include that personality as a VJ. And now, VeeJaying is starting to really gain more and more recognition due to it's inception of not only just using the talents of a DJ, yet by pushing the boundaries further to increase the challenges of a DJ not just as a self styled musician, but as a visual artist. To explain to those that are unfamiliar with what VeeJaying is; a VeeJay is the culmination of mixing two distinct different forms of media together to make one new media that appeals to a wider range of audiences. By merging together music with visual forms of media a club goers experience is further heightened by the veejay's use of both forms of media.

An example; think of entering the club - the night starts out just like it were a normal club, but then you look to the back wall seeing a huge size white screen there, the music starts to pour out pumping up, building to a crescendo of sounds. The club's room gets lighter on the back wall as you start to see images from a projector; you see with the beat of the music lightning striking, altering, changing colors - going from normal colors to a negative type image, then splitting off to create four smaller images of it, with in the center of the screen now you start to see a new image starting to slowly fade in - you see it there it is an animated image of a character dancing moving to the groove. Yet, what's that you came with some friends you're there to celebrate one of their birthday's, so you go up to the DJ's booth, asking if he can announce your friend's birthday - he gives you a look "no problem" he says - as the night progresses - you hear the DJ's bassy voice that just exudes cool. A voice directs everyone to look at the screen, and there you see flashing in a myriad of colors, spiraling, has it reads "Happy Birthday To Emily - Everyone Say "Happy Birthday To Emily" followed by "Everyone At The Beat Club Would Like To Thank Emily For Celebrating Her Birthday With Us Tonight."

Now, how cool is that?

What's incredible though, is that while I was in my teenage years DJing I had a residency at a local roller skating rink. It was great, we had turntables, cd players, vhs players, dmx light controls - but we had two video cameras; one set at the rink, the other at the small dance floor behind the DJ booth. While by no means was it pioneering anything, it allowed myself to think of how cool would it be to incorporate video into the events that I worked. Another example of incorporating visuals came from the 90's Canadian Broadcast, and Made show "Electric Circus" switching between the DJ, the Host, the Crowd, Videos - it blended it all together perfectly, yet it just wasn't meant to be, and sadly "Electric Circus" was ended December 12, 2003. But it's roots came from the American dance show "The Soul Train."

When I was learning how to DJ - I read in not just one source but from many different sources saying that to DJ properly, those who are new to the art need to know where their roots are coming from so that they can know where they are going. It's so true looking back at what was the "edge" how it evolved over the years, but if you knew the roots you could see a faint repetition of history. Though, what is becoming an art of it's own "VeeJaying" has been around for many years carried by a few unsung heroes who looked at it has the evolution of doing a performance. In the DJ Industry there is a lot of competition in the industry, due to downloading sites that use shareware, or even sites that change videos to MP3's, the advent of software programs that take care of mixing songs together which require less imagination - anyone can now be a DJ. But to those of us in the Industry, we're going to have to evolve - we are going to have to once again do what we do best, push the boundaries. I believe that as VeeJaying becomes recognized more and more - we're going to see the DJ Industry evolve further. I for one, am really excited to see this evolution taking place, especially when I was young working at the roller skating rink we had to use music videos when we worked, we had to play anywhere from five to eight music videos each session, and to make use of the video camera. Seeing this just brings me back to my younger years with excitement, and glee - just like when I did my first gig.

Self Injurers Caring

Well, I thought I'd work at keeping up with things, especially since I have so many things going on all at once. I am a self injurer - have been for a very long time. It's all a part of who I am really, it doesn't define me as a whole, but it does do well at helping to round out the edges so to speak. Over the years, I've talked with many people who are self injurers, I've talked to many people who are incredibly depressed, and others who've thought of taking their life. In all those instances its done so much for me, but most of all it helps to keep my eyes set straight ahead, not to the clouds, not to the grounds - but to those who I meet. 

Years ago, I had started a blog once - I had even the idea of a name of a group for all of it - S.I.C.
Which stands for "Self Injurers Caring" sometimes many who do self injure think that they can only rely on themselves that no one else has been where they are. It's not true though, that was the hardest lesson for me to learn - that I am not the only one who self injures. To those that may read my words - you're not the first, and you're not the last one who will end up using such a life threatening coping mechanism - I really hate to disappoint. There is no one that is worse then you, and there is no one better than you - we are all the same, each of us honestly need to come together to help one another out. There are things I can always learn from someone else, just like I know I have a lot to offer someone else if they truly wish to listen. 

It's in listening that I came to find that I have this little voice in the back of my head that just won't let me give up any longer, I'm much too strong for that, and I'm even more stubborn than that. I've tried so many times in the past - always it never worked, is that a blessing or a curse? I truly don't know on that one quite yet, but in time who knows I may figure it all out. I'm in the process of a lot of side projects, working on some t shirt designs which I hope to upload to CafePress, I have some sounds that I'm working on as well, and constantly mulling over the idea of dictating a book of mine. Then, eventually I'll have posted up another side project that I'm working on that could really use the support of everyone really. I'm soon to be raising funds so that I can continue on developing my own sound, but more importantly - to develop a unique sound that is truly original. I'm trying to figure out what to offer as incentives - I'm thinking for sure free download codes for my music, but I don't know I just don't think that it's enough. I do, however wish that I could offer more, but at the moment - it's a bit difficult to offer more incentives. 

I do however want to let everyone know, that I'd so much appreciate anyone, and everyone's help - my goal is to create a mailing list of seven thousand [7000+] people for a contact list. The more the better really, I have a lot of dreams that are still in their fruition so I really hope that people keep coming back to look at how the blog is developing, at how the projects are developing but most of all - how I am developing not just as a person, but as a musician, as an artist. 

Introductions

It's only fair to start with introductions; I am DJ NightGrooves. I first started out as a DJ back when I was fourteen years old, and actually worked professionally as a DJ for right around nine years. When I say professionally - I do mean that I was paid to DJ, I've done gigs from graduations to teen dances to wedding receptions, I've worked with crowd sizes has little as thirty five up to sizes of two hundred plus.  I worked with three different DJ service companies, one that gave me my start, then I held a residency position at a Roller Skating Rick, to which finally - I worked with another company that taught me about Bars, Clubs, and Night Clubs. 

I've also, had the opportunity to work with other DJ's, but I especially loved being able to work with new DJ's that had little to no experience in the DJ Industry. I did some training of the newer DJ's helping them learn skills of how to work crowds, how to read them, and dissolve situations due to ill manners or alcohol involvement.  On top of all that, I am a "Gearhead" I study DJ equipment, the new stuff that comes out, and the older stuff - I especially enjoy learning the specs of equipment. Being a DJ fanatic - involves collecting all sorts of information on it as well, I have a ton of instructional dvds, and even have some documentary films. I feel it's tremendously important to know where your roots come from in order to know where you're going. 

In following with that, where I'm coming from? I am also, a Self Harmer, Self Injurer, Self Abuser - whatever you may want to call it doesn't offend me in the least. Though, the general public may know it differently by the media which call it "cutters."  I don't mind that either, I've been a Self Injurer since the age of thirteen, until well - there are still moments when I stumble.  It's a lifestyle to some, and to the few that recognize it - it's a way of survival. It's a negative coping mechanism that is self destructive at best, but truly - life threatening.  I have talked with numerous Self Injurers in the past, and still do in the present - I believe that we have to help one another since each one of us carries a different piece of the puzzle, and by contributing to the puzzle - we can eventually come to see a larger picture. 

My hope of things is to share with people not only the good points of life, but to share with everyone the reality of a persons struggle. I have aspirations, and hopes that lead me down my path for the future. Though, I want to share with my readers that while I do struggle with self injurious behaviors - it's not a want of death, but rather a want of life. I have found my passion; which will be going to school to study Artist Management, and Audio Production - which I want to release my own mixes, and from time to time you may find links to Mixes I've done, but my ultimate goal is to eventually open my own label. I believe that music not only has the ability to heal - it also, has the ability to inspire. I wear long sleeves so that I can lead a relatively normal life, yet - I have the persistence to push on, to be an example to others that may self harm. And that is my true ultimate goal - to show others that, having a normal life - is quite possible.