Sharing Myself With The World

My friends know about my own personal struggles with myself. And yet, they all believe in me. 

I guess I'm going to do this next post keeping my friends in mind. 

Nearly 2 months ago I almost died. It was by my own inability to recognize how truly strong I am, and how much stronger I can become. If you were to meet me in real life, you'd really see that I am not much different from how I write on my blogs. I think it's paramount that I make myself as real to people as I can, and yet I always become filled with self doubt when I think about putting all of me out there for people to really discover the person I am, but the person I constantly aspire to become. 

The single longest struggle I've had in my life has been with me since I was 13 years old. It's a self destructive coping mechanism but the key words in that statement are "coping mechanism" be it good or bad, it's how I've managed to get through life. Has it left it's toll on my body - absolutely. Yes. And that's where people often wonder what is the "price" for being a self injurer? 

The physical price of being a self injurer, there are quite a few really. For me, my hands don't quite work with the same level of reaction time as they should, due to tissue damage to the nerves, and muscle. Some mornings I wake up with my finger tips blue because I can't get the blood to flow into my hands quite properly. And with the nerve damage I can't write by hand for too long, or use my hands to carry heavy weights for too long without having to spend time massaging my hands. I have to flex my hands at times, and rub my forearms to help ease the discomfort that I'm feeling. No matter how much you try to ignore the scars they will always be visible to you, but they seem to become more visible when you get out of a really hot shower or getting out of cold water. Then there are the ever constant reminders of the past because of all the scars from going too deep, or not properly taking care of them. Those are just the few things I deal with, and I'm sure that others deal with this, but may in fact deal with more. 

Then, on top of the physical price of being a self injurer, there are the psychological costs. There really ever isn't a moment that I think about wanting to go back and change everything. To stop myself from my first time. To have the courage to have said something earlier on in my life. To have asked for help all those years ago. As you can tell I spend time dealing with guilt, and regret because of what I did to myself but in the process I can't help but think of all the times I lied to people about where I got this cut from or that cut from. There was a time when I wanted to have a good day I'd have to force myself to put on long sleeves the moment I woke up. If I could get my long sleeves on in the dark then that meant the difference in having a good day or a bad day. Some days I have no self esteem because I wear my past, and you often wonder why you're [insert any name you want here]. My self worth is drastically reduced but, more and more it's starting to return to me. I would question all the time whether I'm equally worth any other man or if I am somehow something lower, something stuck between man and beast. You're self image is completely shattered, absolutely splintered between what you feel within yourself, and what you see on your body. If you thought you were self conscious before, unfortunately you're going to learn a whole new level of being self conscious. But, there are going to be days when you just say "what the hell!" and decide to wear short sleeves, you decide that you're not going to hide any longer. You do have those days. I promise. 

Finally, I'll share two interesting insights that I've learned over the years. These days when I go to the hospital for any real legitimate purpose the first thing that tends to happen is that the nurses will quickly pass the information around that there is a "severe" self injurer at [insert bed number here]. I've overheard them talking about how sad it is to see someone who has done what they have to themselves. But then that novelty wears off relatively fast. If you need some kind of treatment lets say from a wound of some sort, I never believed the rumours until it actually happened to me. The nurses know "better" then you do about your body, and they will be a little more heavy handed or rough with giving you treatment. It's happened to me a few times now, and I think it's because they are trying to impart some kind of lesson. Yet, the reality is that by how they treat people who are self injurers it deters those of us from wanting to get "professional" help. *** If you do an online search for "self injurers Bill Of Rights" there is a proposed Bill Of Rights that I believe should be made official because those who have a history with self injury we know that we are treated differently, we are treated in some instances poorly, and for what? Because we're human? Because we're trying to live? Because we use physical pain as a means of masking the internal pain that we are feeling. ***

One other incident happened years ago, and I do mean years. I was feeling brave. I was feeling confident. And I decided that I'd roll up my sleeves to just relax, and enjoy the cool air conditioned air in the mall. I went into a bookstore, and was looking through the huge almost overwhelming mass of books. A woman with her young daughter came into the same isle I was in, but she was looking at the books opposite of me. Her daughter innocently asked her mother what was wrong with my arms. And I turned to look, and so did the girl's mother. The moment that she saw my arms she tried to conceal what she was feeling, or how she was reacting because she took her daughter by the hand, and left the isle I was in. It was then that I started to realize that people fear what they don't really understand, and what's more if they are afraid it's usually followed with disbelief or disgust. Often it really comes down to the question they want to ask, but don't want to really insult you is - how? How can you do that to yourself?  

I think though the biggest thing that I need to share with everyone is as much as it's a cliche there really is hope. Things can change, things can change slowly or things can change fast. It comes down to if you have the ability to change, and we all have the capacity to change our lives. Believe it, and you will receive it. Don't think you can - know you can. And if at any time you find that you don't have someone to talk or someone that will listen by all means contact me. 

One last thing I want to share with everyone - self injurers do not self injure with the intent to die but, it's that we simply don't know how to live. 

I am,

NightGrooves

Use Somebody

Once again, following my usual habits of searching youtube for music to share with you I came along this incredibly beautiful song. Many people are familiar with the version of this song that's been performed by Kings Of Leon - Use Somebody. And I enjoy that one, but it just seemed like it was lacking something. I don't think I could ever really nail what was missing - and then I came along this remake of the song.

The moment I heard it . . . I had goosebumps! It literally gave me chills when I listened to it, and then playing it over to really hear all the bits of it, I got chills AGAIN! If a song is giving me chills, and goosebumps then I know I found something that is in my opinion audio perfection at it's finest!

What we have here is the talented voice of Laura Jansen. A wikipedia search provides the details;

Laura Jansen (born 4 March 1977, Breda, the Netherlands) is a Dutch-American singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. Jansen established herself as a regular at the Los Angeles live music venue the Hotel Cafe before gaining fame in her native country, the Netherlands. The daughter of an American mother and Dutch father, she holds dual citizenship in the United States and the Netherlands.

There are actually 3 versions of this song. We find that Laura Jansen has her album version online, which features her vocal prowess, and accompanied by piano. Next, we have a "reworked" version by Armin Van Buuren. Which there are 2 versions of a short "reworked" version, and then a longer version. Now, while most of the time I like to really pull apart songs that are more focused for the DJ, if I were to just do that I'd be robbing you of a powerful remake of a great song.

First, let's look at Laura Jansen's Use Somebody the album version. You should really start with this song before you listen to any of the others. It's this first introduction to Laura Jansen which will show her vocal talents, and they shine right through the 

whole song. I found her voice to simply be awesome! Emotional, moving, and powerful are just a few words that come to mind when I listen to her rendition of "Use Somebody" but I'm quite sure that there are more words to describe her voice though I'm just not able to do it complete justice. It's rare that you find an artist with such emotional power in her voice which seems to be raw, and still not fully tapped I'm sure. She is definitely an artist that you should become familiar with because this is one of those rare remakes that bring forth the beauty of the lyrics of this song. I'd say that while Kings Of Leon did great at performing this song, I can't help but feel that Laura Jansen took this song to a whole new level.

What's great about this next rendition of Laura Jansen's Use Somebody, she captured the attention of Dutch superstar Trance DJ / Producer - Armin Van Buuren. Who worked his magic in this song. Apparently, Armin uses what he calls the "reworked" or remixed version of this song during his shows. It's amazing to see artists supporting one another, and Armin adds his personal touch to really energize his audience. Which you'll see in the "official" music video of Laura Jansen's Use Somebody "reworked". I'm always a fan of remixed material because it takes an artist with real vision to be able to pull off an incredible remix I think. Armin shows his incredible talent working with this song, and it's made quite clear that this isn't a "remix" but rather a "reworked" version of Use Somebody. There are two versions of the "reworked" song, one short, and one long. 

The short "reworked" version is slightly over 4 minutes. I've always found that while remixes by large have their own commercial market, it's rare that you find a remix that truly does an artist justice. It's amazing because he makes it a point to really let the vocal talent stand on it's own, while still lightly, and slowly supporting it with his artistic talent. I love that! A "rework" where it's the perfect blend of music, talent, and artistic expression creating the perfect balance. And there is no other way to explain it - what we have here is truly an artistically perfect balance that doesn't fail or comes up wanting in anyway possible. You'll see how powerful this song really is when you watch the video, pay attention to the crowd they are absolutely mesmerized by the whole experience that Armin's sharing. I'm listening to this with my headphones on, and I'm still getting chills from it. With headphones crank this up it doesn't matter how you listen to it just listen to it LOUD !!! You will not be disappointed in the least.

And finally we have the full version of the song which is slightly over 8 minutes long. This is vocal trance at it's finest there is absolutely no doubt about it. If you're into dance music, and / or you're a clubland kid then you're going to recognize the name Armin Van Buuren. This is the longer version which will take you on an incredible journey. From start to finish you're going to be captivated by the song. What's nice with the long version you really get to experience the sheer power that's added to song, and you can clearly understand why he uses this song in his shows. He's truly created an anthem! And there is no disputing why Armin Van Buuren is such a huge success. I've been a fan of Armin Van Buuren for years and he's never once put out something that hasn't grabbed my attention. In order to really be good as a DJ I find that you need to listen to a song over, and over again so that you know it forward, and backward. You need to know how to use it to it's fullest potential, but I've been listening to this over, and over again trying to figure out it's fullest potential yet I constantly find that I'm hearing it in a different way each time. 

I think the only thing I can really finish up saying for this is that I really have to thank Laura Jansen for bringing a whole new dimension. She brings out the entire beauty of the lyrics, and with her artistic ear she marries her vocal prowess  absolutely perfectly with the piano. In terms of trance, Armin Van Buuren takes an incredible rendition of a song, but he transforms it into vocal trance at it's finest. He demonstrates how much confidence he has in Laura Jansen by not really touching her vocals at all, and just adds his personal touch to raise the energy for everyone in the crowd. I'm not Dutch but I wish I was because then I think I'd hear the song in a totally different way. What we see is the perfect collaboration between two Dutch artists at their finest, and to make it even more exciting - I don't think either of them have even tapped into their full musical talents yet. 

Usually I'd say just listen to trance versions, but I can't. You NEED to hear all 3 versions. This is roughly 20 minutes of your life that you'll thank me for. 

And remember - Bump It Loud !!! 

NightGrooves

Bring Passions To Life

Most people who know me can say that when it comes to doing research that I'm usually the go to person because when it comes to doing research this tends to be an area that I'm very rigid about. I'm always looking at ways to really bring forth something new in the area of MY DJing. I'm always looking for something that is not just going to set me apart from other DJs but something that is really going to bring a new life of creativity out of me as well. I'm a believer that when it comes down to creativity I believe that an artist has a lot of influence over his creativity but, I also believe that the materials artists use is just as important if not more so. 

I guess to explain that a bit. When a sculptor puts his hands on a block of clay, he doesn't usually do so with an idea of what he's going to make [unless of course he was hired to do something specifically] but he does so with the belief that the clay is going to talk to him, that it's going to inspire him, and it's going to bring forth his passion. I once had a friend many years ago tell me something that has stuck with me since, she said to me "The best artists are usually the ones who carry the most pain". I'm not sure why, I've never been sure why but that's honestly beautiful every time I think about it or even see it. 

I'm working on things to really start to get a better direction going, and it's complicated to be honest. I wish I knew more about how to use digital editing programs so that I could really bring some of my designs to life, and get them out there. I'm hoping that I can get my readers to offer up suggestions on ways to fund raise, and I'm really willing to listen to any suggestions with an open mind. I am specifically targeting 3 things that I'd like to raise funds for, but to narrow it down some I'm looking at one specific "instrument" that I'd like to get my hands on. It's absolutely beautiful, and each time I look at it, I start to see more possibilities to incorporate it into a DJ performance. I'll review it a little later on, but right now if anyone has some ideas of fund raising by all means please let me know. It'd be greatly appreciated. 

If you're not bumping it loud - then you're doing something wrong! 

NightGrooves

Christmas In July ?

Is there really such a thing - Christmas In July !?!?! 

I wish there was, or maybe there is - you know I really don't know. I bet you're wondering where this is leading, so I might as well tell you. When you're a DJ there are always things that you enjoy doing more so then others, and for myself - there is nothing better then being able to take new equipment for a test drive to put it through the paces. 

I'm a hobbyist DJ, a bedroom DJ - these days at least. But, there was nothing better when I was DJing on a different level being able to get new equipment, and just run that baby through all sorts of tests to really find out how far I could push it. Right now, I have a list of DJ Equipment that I'd LOVE nothing more than to just hook up, and run it through all the tests that I used to determine if my boss actually managed to get his hands on equipment that's good or if once again he invested in the work equipment [which seemed to be his habit].

My list of equipment I'd love to sink my teeth into right now as stands, 

Native Instruments - Traktor Controller S4. 

Native Instruments - Traktor Controller X1. 

Native Instruments - Traktor Controller F1. 

Native Instruments - Traktor Pro 2.5 Remix

Native Instruments - Mikro Maschine.

Pioneer DJ - RMX 1000. Beautiful controller.

Pioneer DJ - HDJ 5000. Headphones. 

Pioneer DJ - CDJ 2000. Digital Media Controller.

I'd honestly love to sink my teeth into any of Elektron's 4 pieces of hardware!!! 

Their Octatrack sampler looks absolutely brilliant.

 For my own peace of mind, I would love nothing better though then to get my hands on some headphones aimed towards the DJ to put them up against Beats By Dre. I can't help look left then look right there is ALWAYS someone sporting Beats By Dre. It'd be nice to find out what all the hype really is.

Denon DJ - S2900. Digital Media Controller.

Beat Thang! - Beat Thang Controller. This seriously looks bad ass, and really I'd love to get my hands on it to really see if it's as easy as they say it is. It's said that it's incredibly intuitive, and you can be making your own beats almost from the get go. Not much of a learning curve - which is always nice. I'd love to be able to get the sounds I hear in my head out, and lay down some tracks. 

Rain Computers - A1 Laptop - fully loaded with all the bells, and whistles! If you're looking for a computer that takes into account the needs of DJs. This is the company you have got to check out! They have lots of options available, but for me - someone thinking about my needs as a DJ in the club, and on the go - that's awesome! 

I think that is where I'm going to leave my wish list for now, I'm sure that there are a few other products I'd love to check out but all in due time. As well, I'm always looking for DJ resources to review. I have a small personal library of DJ resources; books, dvds, kits - I always enjoy seeing what others have to say about the industry. 

If you're not bumping it loud - then you're doing it wrong!

One Night In Ibiza !

Here we go . . . giving you another song that you can definitely "Bump It Loud!"

Mike Candys & Evelyn Featuring Patrick Miller - One Night In Ibiza. 

Before I go further into the song, I always think it's nice to know a little bit about the artists involved. Unfortunately, this is all the information a wikipedia search for the artists is coming up with;

Mike Candys - born 21 August 1981, is a Swiss music producer and house DJ.

The second element of this song providing chorus, and back up vocals is;

Evelyn Zangger - born December 6, 1980 as Evelyn Valerie Zangger is a Swiss 

singer / songwriter from Zurich.

The third element of this collaboration providing the rapped verses, is Patrick Miller who is a singer / rapper. Wikipedia wasn't able to provide any information in the case of Patrick Miller. 

Well, I'm not sure if searching the collaborated artists really provided you with much of anything of use. Either way, we're not doing background searches - we're looking at what really matters here - One Night In Ibiza. 

This song comes in just under 3 minutes, and the label behind this is Kontor. Honestly, when it comes to dance floor hit makers, and shakers you can always depend on Kontor to back something solid. And, with One Night In Ibiza you're not going to be let down. Kontor uploaded this on their Youtube channel back in August of 2011. The song is a bit dated but honestly, I'd spin this hard, and I'd definitely bump this loud! 

The music has a Dance House vibe that's just solid. I'm enjoying the synth element of the song, and it has a solid beat to it. The bass, and beat structure of the song is perfect in pretty much every way that if you're working a club, then this is definite A song. When I label a song - A - most times what I mean is that this song is going to be able to go pretty much anywhere, in this case though - this is a song that needs to be at a forefront of set. You're not going to do it any justice by slipping this in the midst of your set, and don't even think about ending a set with this. This is a powerful song, and it's very well structured but more importantly thanks to Mike Candys this song is incredibly DJ friendly. He really took his experience as a DJ to make this song that's just a great balance of all elements. 

Moving on to the rest of the song - we have the vocals provided by two artists; Evelyn, and Patrick Miller. Let's look at Evelyn first though. She is providing the vocals for the chorus, and to add a supporting element to the song itself. Her vocals are absolutely gorgeous!!!! She has such a powerful voice, but what I find that really helps is that she carries this almost seductive element that just brings the chorus to life. If there is an A capella track of her vocals for this song, then WOW - you've got to get your hands on it, and if you do please think of me. I'd love to really be able to work with her vocals because there is so much potential to work with just in this song alone! She adds such a perfect balance to the whole song, because in no way at all does one element of the song show more power then the other. Which is in no way impossible to find though I find it hard to find. I've always wanted to go to Ibiza Spain, and when I heard Evelyn's voice in this song it makes my desire to go to Ibiza even stronger now. 

Patrick Miller adds his skills to the final element of the song - the verses. You hear this gritty bass filled voice just laying out the verses, and in my opinion it really adds that final layer of texture to the song that balances everything right out. What I really like is that when Patrick Miller steps up his voice almost reminds me of something I'd swear I use to play when I was a DJ back in the 90's. I love that! I always enjoy a song that really has some texture to it, and has this gruff to it. What makes it even better though is that you can hear his words, and you are even able to make out what he's saying. Not uncommon but just a personal preference of mine. I find though that with Patrick Miller in this song, he really evens everything out in the song. He doesn't overpower Evelyn, he doesn't overpower the music but if his vocals weren't there I don't think the song would carry the same kind of effectiveness or power that One Night In Ibiza has. 

Overall, One Night In Ibiza shows that a hit doesn't have to be terribly long. I'd love to spin this in a club, and if I could get my hands on the vocals from Evelyn though there would be even more fun to sample to try to construct a remix on the fly in a club. I'd have to say though that while a transition would be best to bring this song to the speakers I have to wonder if it's just best to "slam!" this on, and just let itself bring forth the intensity to the floor. Once again, I know that this is a song I'd have to put in my sets, and with the way this collaboration was done I'd continue to play this over and over again since I believe that this is truly a "gem". 

There are few places in the world that I've been wanting to see since I was a teenager, and really this song makes me want to go to Ibiza even more. One Night In Ibiza wouldn't be long enough, but I guess I can use this song as a great comfort for not being in Ibiza. 

Bump It Loud!

NightGrooves

Forward Thinking

Today has been an exciting day for me. I had a doctor's appointment, and this one only really took about 15 - 20 minutes. We spoke, and she asked how my moods were doing? 

Honestly, I haven't felt this good in a long time!

I'm still in some discomfort, and pain from my back, but I wake up in the mornings not dreading the day. I'm able to laugh more, feel better about myself, and really feel better about the day. But what she's really impressed with is that I'm starting to make plans for the future knowing that it's not bleak in anyway any longer. 

I feel like I accomplished quite a bit today. I contacted some manufacturing companies that specialize in CNC Laser, to see if it was possible to bring the idea of my pendants to life or if it'd just be easier to create a mold, and just do casts with the molds. I also contacted a couple of Special Effect companies in regards to helping creating something for " NightGrooves " which I'm super excited about, and once again this is just a small dream that helps raise me to the big dream. 

"Sometimes in order to go forward, you need to go back a few steps. Don't think that you're losing progress, or you're falling behind - you're building "momentum" so that you can go further forward." - J.I.Kozak'12

RedSound SoundBite Pro

Not many people are familiar with a company called Red Sound. RedSound is based out of the UK, and unfortunately I'm not too sure what's going on with the company overall. The last time a product was put out was back in 2007 and that was RedSound's SoundBite Pro. The SoundBite Pro is in general a sampler based off of their well received SoundBite XL but it's been upgraded to a level that Artists / DJs / Musicians / Remixers have long been waiting for. 

The SoundBite Pro is a sampler that has the ability to sample based on beat counts, it has the ability to play those samples forward - but can even do it backwards!! It has a built in filter as well that is tactile controlled - I'll explain this feature a bit more in detail later. When RedSound released their SoundBite XL - it was a really well built piece of equipment, it was hard to find here in Canada but, when I found it - I had to pay a bit for it but I absolutely loved it! In fact, my SoundBite XL is in mint condition, and still to this day functions just like when it first came out of the box. 

The SoundBite Pro is a loop based sampler. It features 6 buttons - banks that tell you how many beats it will loop. It's capable of doing 1 beat - 2 beats - 4 beats [x2] - 8 beats - up to 16 beats. Their are alternatives to those though, by pressing one of the buttons, and rotating the tactile control [jog dial] you can adjust the length of the beat loop. As well, what I really enjoyed is that the SoundBite can have it set for the buttons to either do a one shot loop, or you can have it set to seamless. You're wondering what makes this a " Pro " piece of equipment?  The " Pro " comes from an upgrade that I patiently have waited for - it now boasts an on-board 1 GB of internal memory. This is a HUGE benefit that I knew it was going to happen but it was just a matter of when. And they answered the when, and still they brought it a bit further then what I was anticipating. When the XL came out the moment that the machine was turned off you lost all your loops, and then you had to capture your loops all over again from the audio source of your choosing. 

The Pro allows you to keep those loops, those samples in the on-board memory. Which is a huge absolutely HUGE benefit. The 1 GB of internal memory will allow you to store up to 12 minutes of samples. But they didn't stop there. They took it one step further. The Pro allows you to export the samples, the loops to your computer so you can store them on your laptop, and you can then transfer the loops back and forth to load, and reload the SoundBite Pro with your library of loops. They developed software for it as well, SoundBite Arranger Utility which is still available for download for your PC or Mac. I know for sure that the way the SoundBite Pro codes your files allows them to be used with Native Instruments Traktor software. 

The SoundBite Pro has a built in filter that can be selected for use. This filter is absolutely awesome! It's controlled by the jog dial - turn to the left, and the filter is faded out, but if you go to the right - the filter then is applied, and continues to increase in it's intensity. But. Oh yeah there is a BUT. When you've found the right amount of filter, using the buttons - banks you can then program the filter's intensity into the memory. Which means then you can switch between 6 different intensity's of filter. This was an additional feature that I enjoyed playing with. 

The equipment has stereo inputs, and outputs. Left, and Right channels. It has a 1/4 inch headphone input. So you can sample audio from any source you really want, but to really get the most out of this piece of equipment you need to hook this up so an effects specific input / output that you can choose which channels you're sampling from. It's an awesome piece of equipment which I'm trying to find some sources to purchase this from. It's vintage, and there are software that allows you to sample also, but sometimes I find that it's just a bit more convenient, and better [for me] to have a piece of hardware specifically for my desired function. 

From when I first stumbled onto RedSound back in 2002 or 2003 - I realized that all of their products are absolutely awesome. They put great thought into the body of the product because no professional loves to feel plastic we need to know that it's solid, they put a lot of thinking into making it look aesthetically pleasing. But I'm not sure if we're going to see anything from RedSound again or not, I do know however that the Peavey Corporation did make a "spoof" of the RedSound SoundBite Pro, but seriously when you have RedSound you have an innovator, and original in your hands.

Long live RedSound !! !! !!

Biannual Blogathon Bash !! !! !!

Okay, I have to share my excitement by suggestion of a good friend I have signed up, and I'm ready to see what I can accomplish by taking part in the Biannual Blogathon Bash. I'm looking forward to really investing the time to really bring forth some new ideas, and thoughts so that I can continue onward with bringing life to NightGrooves.

This is a weekend long event, and it's going to be worth it.

I should share what NightGrooves is really all about. I spent nearly 10 years as a disc jockey in which time I worked as a DJ for 3 different companies. It was honestly a great experience where I found out that I was quite naturally gifted as a DJ, and I developed a passion for the DJ Industry.

NightGrooves is based on a partnership that started during all those years ago, but it's evolved with us as we grew up. Yet, my biggest hope is to take this further then what I . . . then what we ever went. I'm hard at work trying to bring a brand to life, a brand that will see t-shirts created, that will see pendants created. I'm tossing around the idea of trying to design, and develop my own type of "sling style" back pack. Eventually you'll see designs of some pieces of furniture that I've been working on in the background that serve the function of allowing an artist / dj / producer to keep their equipment in a compacted, small area but when taken out will be able to expand to meet the demands of having more space to create with, and practice in.

NightGrooves is slowly striving to become a production company handling club djing, events, festivals, mobile dj applications, and weddings. I am DJ NightGrooves artist, creator, designer, innovator, and aspiring to producing. And, NightGrooves is also going to be incorporating Video Game Design, and Development. There is so much that NightGrooves is capable of becoming, and there is no way that excitement can't be infectious.

All my life I've heard not to be a dreamer from one person, and then from others I've heard that you need to dream big, but now - I finally see. This is about a bunch of small dreams that keep moving forward to create one big dream.

NightGrooves is that dream!

Welcome to the journey.

An Interesting Suggestion

Hey everyone,

I've been busy bouncing ideas, and thoughts with many different people. I've been explaining the idea of bringing " NightGrooves " from just an idea for a really cool DJ / Not Just A DJ - Business into wanting to develop a brand.

Talking with a friend, and sharing the logo design with her. I explained that I want to create a pendant necklace using the logo, and I have to admit the conversation about materials to make it from went really smoothly. Tossing ideas of materials, ways to give it a unique texture that's once again unique. Being absolutely honest . . . I really have to thank her because the conversation really helped bring about ideas I doubt I'd have had if I wasn't able to talk them out with someone.

I honestly have to say "thank you" to my "kiwi" friend.

The ideas are still flowing, and still pushing forward with things.

Definitely stay tuned.

Excitement ! ! !

Okay, so clearly there is some excitement that I really need to share with everyone. As some may know I've been slowly designing, and refining actual drawings that have been in the making for a number of years now. I'm working hard to further develop the ideas, and I'm really feeling like everything is slowly coming together. I'm a perfectionist in personality, and I usually never say anything until I feel that there is some definite progress. 

We're getting progress! And it's coming along quickly. I love it!!! I really do. I'm working on refining some older designs to develop some t shirt designs, and I'm 
also in the process of searching costs to take another few ideas into the realm of developing some jewelry that is specifically aimed towards the DJ, yet, I'm also going in another realm of targeting another DJ demographic that is a smaller niche still. 

The idea is to bring forth " NightGrooves " not just as a DJ, but my greatest aspiration is to develop this into a brand. Most people who know me know that I'm never without any ideas, or thoughts - which is so exciting to be bringing everything to life. I spent years as a DJ, and the goal is to return to it once again but this time on my terms. I would like to bring out my artistic talents musically, and definitely venture into the area of producing some of my own sounds. But, I'm also a designer. Of what? 
I have some interesting designs that I'd like to push towards pants, and backpacks, but I have ideas for furniture with the DJ in mind. And further still, I do have design ideas in mind on remodelling DJ Booths. So, right now you can imagine with school coming up, and working on so much - it's just an exciting time and I'm glad that I am able to share this with everyone. 

Any words of encouragement, and support are always greatly appreciated. 


Always bumping something Loud ! 


NightGrooves



 

This song is Outasight !!

I'm not too sure if anyone is familiar with the artist Richard Andrew, or better known by his stage name - Outasight.

I've been really listening to this one song of his, and it's prompted me to really share some details about Outasight. To really add a bit of history so that you can really get a bit of depth of him. From a wiki search I've found;

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Richard Andrew was born in Yonkers, New York. With a mother who decorated the walls with records, and a father who played the guitar, Andrew was surrounded by music his entire life. Growing up, his family moved from apartment to apartment, which never gave him a real sense of home. He turned to music to offer him solace and a sense of home. At the age of 9, his father gave him a guitar, and although he did not have much interest in playing the guitar, it sparked his interest in becoming a musician. He found his passion in singing and rap, and began writing rhymes and singing around age 10.

This information is provided from a Wikipedia Search.

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The song that I've really been listening to is Outasight's - Now Or Never. Seriously, this is one beat that I find to be really inspiring, and motivating. It seems to remind me of a sound that you'd almost hear in the 80's, but mixed with a sweet ass groove

from now. Now Or Never - has a beat that you can't help but bounce too. I found that Outasight, and the sound mixer really had a target audience in mind. And, it shows that this song is aimed at the club floors. Honestly I'd have to rank this song as an "A" song - I'd start a set with this, or I'd use it to build more energy in the club. Lyrically the "hook" is;

"So we don’t care what the people say and we don’t care what they want to do and we don’t care about it anymore we do what we want I ain’t wasting a no more time its now or never I’m about to get mine It’s now or never I’m about to get mine It’s now or never" [Lyrics provided from directlyrics.com]

Seriously it's this hook that really captures the attitude, and energy of the song. Now Or Never really builds up in energy, and intensity the more you listen to it you'll notice that it's infectious. The low end audio spectrum of this track is just awesomely put together because it has this sound which makes you want to bounce. It's that bounce that you really want, and now that the days of making the song skip are over you can just let loose with this one.

I found that Outasight's vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Flo Rida in this song, but then he adds this beautiful haunting vocal with his "woahhhooooo woahhhoooo woahhhoooo" - it's this part of the song that somehow reminds me of something you'd hear back in the 80's. And I LOVE that! Then, another aspect of this song that I love is the "hook" definitely now that most dj equipment can quantize the beats, this can be cut up over, and over to build it up to an even higher peak. You'd want to cut up the end of the "hook" - "I'm about to get mine - It's now or never" looping this a bit, and then cutting up the loop little by little to use "It's now or never" then cutting the loop up some more - I can really see an energy being created that will just bring up the reaction of your crowd, and then you "slam it" loose!

Goddamn I'm excited just thinking about it!!! That should tell you something right there. I've picked some of "Now Or Never" apart, and hell I've even given you some inspiration of what you'd like to work with, I've done part of your work for you! Which right there should be a "no brainer" for you.

I have to give a mad shout out to Outasight for creating "Now Or Never" because the time to really introduce a new artist to your crowd honestly, the timing couldn't be any better. This song can definitely quickly become an anthem of it's own, it just needs the right people behind this, and I am a firm believer that as a DJ it's up to us to get behind new artists to help them break into new markets so that they can be a little bit closer to reaching their dreams of success.

Bang this one - Bang this LOUD - and always - Bang it PROUD ! ! !

Yours truly,

Nightgrooves

New Song ! !! !

I'm excited to share this new song with all of you. It was uploaded June 9th, and already has over 200,000 hits. Always you can count on ATB to put out something with such solid potential. Never Give Up featuring the incredible vocal talents of Romona Nerra. Seriously this is a song you've got to give a listen. Breaking it down, the lyrics are well written, but Romona Nerra brings the lyrics to such a higher level. She brings to the song this incredible talent which supported with the actual music raises this song to a whole new level.

I think that's the thing that you can always count on with ATB. It's always something solid, and the "trance-nding" seem to be evolving yet, there's an underlying "sound" that's all - ATB. I really think that it's just a sound which is all - ATB. This song has an incredible amount of club, and dance floor potential with it's potent breaks with the vocals, and the end of the song with Romona's echoing "Never Give You Up!" it fades out nicely which leaves the perfect transition for Djs to bring in the next song.

This is a song that in my books is an "A" song meaning, this is a song that you want to start a set with, or you want to elevate the energy from your crowds. It's a solid sound, so to even remotely think about ending a set with it - only if you want to leave them wanting more, but still if I were behind the mixer there is no way that I'm going to jeopardize the full effectiveness of this song. If you add one song to your set, seriously you NEED to add this song to it. It's new, and definitely I don't think it's had much in the way of airplay, but if you're a DJ true to your art, and craft - you'll do what you can to bring this song into the market. I'm a firm believer that it's our responsibility as DJs to introduce new artists, and songs to the crowds.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKg1K6ia1K8&feature=colike

If you're going to BANG one beat - then you NEED to BANG this !!!

Well, it has been some time since last I wrote, and I think honestly that it is time I come back to this to dedicate time to write at least three times a week. I am confident that I can easily commit to that. I guess I should give an update. In July I'm going to be going to school to study Video Game Design & Development. I'm excited about it too. If you haven't been able to tell I am an Audio freak, it stems from being a DJ for so long. I'm actually getting some interesting ideas the more I research the Video Game Industry, and I see that there are some elements that I'm going to learn in developing a Video Game that I can see transferring back into the realm of DJing. I'm also, working with my long time mate to develop a brand based on the idea of DJing, and that is honestly exciting me more and more. Yet, I am learning that I have more inner strength, and inner power then what I truly realise. It became more apparent yesterday when I was in a group setting, and the group was sharing their own personal feelings. I spoke up, and spoke out to which I saw smiles, I saw relief, and I saw that they found inspiration from what I had to say. So much so, that one of them suggested I take up inspirational public speaking, and it made me really wonder why I was there in the room. But more so, it made everyone else wonder what I was doing there. I can see that the more I create a mental pathway that I'd like to follow towards success, the more I see my direction becoming therapeutic for me. I have a lot of plans, and while I'm working things out in my head I can see that my confidence is growing by leaps, and bounds. I keep thinking that I'm so much like a phoenix that it tends to cause me harm since I somehow run myself down into the ground, I turn to ashes, and yet eventually you can bet that I'm going to come back with more strength, and vigour then before.

From the ashes of my self destruction; I find confidence, determination, direction, motivation, and strength. Yet, from my self destruction I find what's even more important - I find who I am.