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Showing posts from September, 2012

About The New Beatmaker

Hi!  I'm Lee.  Welcome to my blog.  Here we talk music: news, reviews, interviews, tips, tutorials and more.  I'm also working on the upcoming podcast  Influenced  as a guest, writer and researcher alongside music aficionado Mark Williams and friends.  Watch this space! I have been a lover of music for as long as I can remember, an amateur lyricist for 25 years, a music writer for 15 years and a hobbyist musician and blogger for almost 10 years. My tastes range from jazz to house to hip hop and I love helping artists from all genres develop their sound. My music, videos, reviews and interviews have been featured in a variety of magazines and websites, including: B-Boy Tech Report Gimme That Beat Humanhuman Audio Skills Dream House Beats Where Did the Road Go Beat Tape Co-Op Push Power Promo Drum Magazine You can find my music on Bandcamp: Monkey Mind Sounds AKA LeeTNB And you can find me on Facebook: The New Beatmaker page Lee's personal page

Mecca: 83 'Sketchbook Pieces'

Sketchbook Pieces by Mecca:83 Here is a collection of recent remixes and productions by the UK's J Dilla inspired Mecca:83.  'Midnight Kids' and 'Jay's Theme' are immediate standouts to me, but the whole collection is sumptious on the ears.  Enjoy. Find out more: www.solarsoundsmusic.com     Credits Music : www.highpressuresound.com Image: www.bandcamp.com More Music

Aesop Rock 'Skelethon' Stream

Underground legend Aesop Rock's new album is here in it's entirety - legally.  Expect tounge twisting lyricism, imaginative narritives and a backdrop of diverse beats.   Find out more: www.rhymesayers.com   Buy 'Skelethon' from Amazon US here Credits Video: www.youtube.com/user/TheRealRhymesayers Image: www.aesoprock.com More Music

Novation MiniNova

'An amazingly powerful but compact synthesizer that packs brand-new features, including push-button Animate controls and Novation's brand new voice effect:  VocalTune.capable of generating dirty bass synth sounds, soaring leads and fat pads.  It is also has powerful vocal effects including a vocoder and the brand new VocalTune™ effect which enables you to tune your voice to whatever notes you are playing on the keyboard...' Find out more: www.uk.novationmusic.com Video: www.sonicstate.com Links: www.global.novationmusic.com   Buy Novation MiniNova Analog Modeling Sythesizer Here   Advert: Top Gifts for Keyboardists with Free Shipping! Find them at musiciansfriend.com  

Pat Mastelotto on the Linn Drum

Pat Mastelotto of legendary rock group Mr. Mister revisits their classic track 'Broken Wings' and even digs out the actual Linn Drum that helped make it such a timeless rock song. Find out more: www.patmastelotto.com Credits Video: www.youtube.com/user/4DrummersByDrummers Image: www.patmastelotto.com More Performances  

Big KRIT Interview: US Rap News

  This interview touches on various topics, including K.R.I.T.S.'s well received collaborations with Yelawolf and the place of sampling in contemporary hip hop. Find out more: www.bigkrit.com , www.usrapnews.fr Credit Video: www.youtube.com/user/USRapNews Image: www.lastfm.com More Interviews  

Jeremy Ellis Interview and Performances: Urban Media

I am partial to the skills of Mr Jeremy Ellis.  Quite simply, dude is a BEAST on the 16, or 32, pads.  Here, Urban Media provide a nice, in-depth interview with Jeremy, spliced with some great footage of him doing his thing on Akai MPDs and the Native Instrument Maschine.  If you have just got yourself, or are looking into getting, anything pad related I strongly recommend you watch this for entertainment and inspiration.  Then check out Jeremy Ellis' MPC tutorial on the Developing Further page, where he very generously shares some extremely useful tips and excercises for beginners and anyone looking to improve their pad techniques. Find out more: www.jeremyellismusic.com ; www.urbanmediashow.com ; www.akaipro.com ; www.native-instruments.com Credits Video: www. youtube.com/user/jeremyellismusic Image: www.ubiquityrecords.com   More Interviews

Joey Bada$$ 'Waves'

With a de livery which mi xes a 90s J ay Z and Jay Electronica , Joey shows why he ge ts love from the blogs to the b roa dsheets.  E xquisit e word play over a rugged but warm golden era st yle backdrop. Affiliate link: >

El-P, Killer Mike and Despot: 'Tougher Colder Killer'

Listen out for the overly compressed, distorted drums after the first breakdown, which add a real sense of drama.  Wowzers. Find out more: www.fatpossum.com/artists/el-p Buy 'Tougher Colder Killer' from Amazon US here Buy 'Cancer 4 Cure' LP from Amazon US here Credits Video: www.youtube.com/user/elpossum Image: www.fatpossum.com More Music

Dubspot Hits 75K Youtube Followers

In celebration of hitting 75, 000 youtube followers, music production school Dubspot brings this short clip showcasing what they do. Find out more: www.dubspot.com   Credits Video: www.youtube.com/user/DubSpot Image: www.residentadvisor.net   More Trailers  

808 Documentary: 'Planet Rock and Other Tales of the 808' featuring DJ A-Trak, ?uestlove and More

  DJ A-Trak, ?uestlove and other renowned artists share their love of the classic TR808 Drum Machine, one of the most vital pieces of music equipment ever made.  Allow me to go into fan-boy mode for a minute: this, this right here, is going to be awesome.  *Straightens tie*  *Regains composure* Find out more: www.planetrock.com Credits Video: www.potholesinmyblog.com Image: www.roland.co.uk More Trailers     

Bob Moog Mini-Documentary: 'Bob Moog's Legacy' Featuring Moby, Wayne Coyne and More

To promote the Bob Moog Foundation many celebrated artists, including Moby and Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, pay homage to Bob Moog’s impact on electronic music. Find out more: www.moogfoundation.org  Credits Video: www.youtube.com/user/MoogMusicInc Image: www.moogmusic.com   More Trailers

DJ Khaled Mini-Documentary: The Making of 'Hip Hop' Featuring The Justice League, DJ Premier and Nas

DJ Khaled, The Justice League and DJ Premier share studio time making one of the most talked about hip hop tracks of 2012. Find out more: twitter.com/djkhaled ; twitter.com/JusticeLeague ; twitter.com/meanjoepreem Credits Video: www.rapradar.com Image: www.vimeo.com   More Documentaries

The Beat Junkies Documentary: 'For the Record'

The legendary turntablists tell their story in this short documentary. Find out more: www.beatjunkies.com Credits Video: www.nahright.com Image: www.lastfm.com

Theo Parrish Mini-Documentary: 'Slices' DVD

Slices DVD follows Theo Parrish as he goes crate digging in his home town. Find out more: www.twitter.com/Soundsignature   Credits Video: www.youtube.com/user/ElectronicBeatsVideo Image: www.redbullmusicacademy.com More Documentaries

Klimeks 'Lost Without'

The lovely contrast between the drums, which have a lot of knock in them, and everything else, which is very subtle and elegant. Find out more: www.soundcloud.com/klimeks Credits Video:  www.youtube.com/user/beatslife Image: www.soundcloud.com More Music  

Textures 'Consonant Hemispheres'

A great example of how tempo/pattern changes can make a song more engaging. 'Constant Hemispheres', in my opinion, switches from a rock ballad - don't run away screaming just yet - to drum n bass, hip hop (with plenty of swing) into metal, stepping up a gear each time it switches.  I had hoped to find a legit copy of the album version, as it packs even more of a punch but this is a very good performance.  Find out more: www.texturesband.com/en/news Buy 'Consonant Hemispheres' from Amazon US here Credits Video:  www.youtube.com/user/dwddtv Image: www.texturesband.com More Music

Killer Mike 'Untitled'

The very dramatic intro which shows off the high-end moog keys and heavy 808 rumbling beneath them.  When the beat drops notice the tom-toms in the background.  The beat is fuller than it first sounds, though not cluttered.  There is a nice use of reverb at points, especially on the vocals. Find out more: www.twitter.com/KillerMikeGTO Buy 'Untitled' from Amazon US here Credits Video:  www.soundcloud.com/wmstrecs Image: www.hiphopdx.com More Music

TOKiMONSTA 'Darkest'

Lovely arrangement with haunting vocals.  A great example of a tune which, given the right push, could be a huge pop hit without selling out. Video directed by Doug Chang. Find out more: www.tokimonsta.com ; www.brainfeedersite.com Buy 'Darkest' from Amazon US here Credits Video: www.youtube.com/channel/HCBfnmC2zb4ys Image: www.lastfm.com More Music

Behringer X32

Behringer’s new digital mixing desk reviewed by the guys over at Sonic State. Find out more: www.behringer.com , www.sonicstate.com    Credits Video:  www.sonicstate.com Image: www.behringer.com More Higher-End Gear  

Drum Sample Website: BoomAndBap.com

Another favourite of The New Beat Maker, Sounds and Gear, announce their new venture, BoomAndBap, an online drum sample store. Find out more: www.boomandbap.com ; www.soundsandgear.com    Credits Video: www.soundsandgear.com Image: www.illmuzik.com   

Hip Hop Beatmaking Video: MorFiy Beats on the AKAI MPD32

Some really haunting melodies mixed with that good ol' boom bap. Find out more: www.soundcloud.com/morfiy_mc Credits Video:  www.youtube.com/user/MrMorFiy Image: www.youtube.com

Taurus Scott Performance: Beat Society

Here's Mr Scott getting it in at Beat Society, using a Maschine/Traktor set up and the newest addition to my Birthday/Christmas wishlist, DJ Techtools' Midi Fighter.  Find out more: www.taurusscott.com   Click to buy: Buy Native Instruments Maschine MK2 Black   Buy Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 Black   Buy Native Instruments Maschine MK2 White Buy Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 White Credits Video:  www.youtube.com/user/Taurus602 Image: www.taurusscott.bandcamp.com  

Jeremy Ellis Performance: Native Instruments Maschines

For when one Maschine just isn't enough.  'The amazing Jeremy Ellis came through our DJcityTV studio to bless us with another Maschine/Mashine Mikro routine. Checkout Jeremy rock these awesome drum machines like only he can.'  Find out more: www.jeremyellismusic.com ; www.native-instruments.com Click to Buy Buy Native Instruments Maschine MK2 Black   Buy Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 Black   Buy Native Instruments Maschine MK2 White Buy Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 White Credits Video:  www.djcity.com Image: www.ubiquityrecords.com More Performances

OriJanus 'NoctilucenT.two'

NoctilucenT.two by oriJanus Closer was the track that led me to this project.  The drums, which are EQ'd and compressed to perfection have a real hip hop thump alongside the delicate keys.  The tune is very crisp and clinical sounding without sounding soulless. Find out more: www.soundcloud.com/orijanus Credits Music: www.orijanus.bandcamp.com/album/noctilucent-two Images: www.soundcloud.com/orijanus More Music

Cormega featuring Action Bronson, Roc Marciano and Saigon 'MARS'

The juxtaposition of rugged percussion and almost operatic vocals.  Cormega recently announced an upcoming alternative version featuring AZ, Redman and Styles P.  That will be posted on The New Beat Maker as soon as it's released. Find out more: www.legalhustle.net ; www.actionbronson.com ; www.twitter.com/rocmarci ; www.twitter.com/TheRealSaigon Buy 'MARS' from Amazon US here Credits Video:  www.vimeo.com Image: www.lastfm.com More Music

Taurus Scott 'The Intro'

The Intro by Taurus Scott 'With a foundation in Hip-Hop, LA based Producer/DJ/Engineer Taurus Scott has transcended into the territory of Dub Step. Accused of “making grown man music” by producer, 9th Wonder, Taurus has worked w/ heavyweights like: The “G-Unit” Crew, Mike Jones, Mase, Mobb Deep and has performed at popular venues like Beat Society [NYC], Low End Theory [LA/SF], Heavy [LA], SXSW [AUS] and The Flyball [LA].' (Bandcamp 2012) Find out more: www.taurusscott.com Credits Music:  www.taurusscott.bandcamp.com/album/the-intro Image: www.soundcloud.com More Music

Jean Grae and M-Phazes 'U & ME & Everyone, We Know'

The introduction, which really builds up expectation for the tune.  M-Phazes repeats a keyboard motif which provides an anchor for the track.  There is plenty of instrumentation throughout, which makes it more tuneful than a lot of hip hop records.  Find out more: www.jeangrae.com ; www.mphazes.com Credits Video:  www.soundcloud.com/m-phazes Image: www.lastfm.com

DJ Premier Interview: Combat Jack

  An interview which is at times irreverent and NSFW.  DJ Premier talks at great length about his musical background, how he started out as a producer and his relationship with Guru.  He also shares experiences of working with a number of stellar artists.  A fascinating interview made all the more so by one of his interviewers being fellow super producer Just Blaze. Find out more: www.djpremierblog.com , www.thecombatjackshow.com Credits Video:  www.rapradar.com Image: www.hiphopdx.com More Interviews