*NEW* Pioneer WeDJ app for iPad and iPhone - FREE through Nov 29

For aspiring DJs and those who want to dabble and learn, check out this new DJ app from Pioneer - it's FREE to download through Nov 29. I downloaded it this week and it's pretty fun. You can sync tracks from iTunes, learn to beat match (manual and sync) and just get creative. The interface is simple and easy to use. Check it out!

The Fugees X Cali Swag X Henry Pope - Ready to Dougie

I heard this edit/mashup of Fugees vs. Cali Swag District vs. Henry Pope in Henry's Source Festival set and I wanted it - I wanted to rip off his idea and put it into my sets, haha! It's a perfect balance of classic and chilled hip hop, with modern bumpin bass and electro beats. And then I just got an email today that he put this Edit on Soundcloud for all to hear and use - it's f***ing DJ gold! I've got three gigs coming up in the next two weeks and this will fit perfectly into two of them - I can't wait to play it. Thanks Henry!!!

Keep em coming! Listen and download here:

DJ Shiftee on the Traktor iPad App

This is why I love and use Traktor... I'm not DJ Shiftee level, but I'll keep practicing!

Mostly Robot - Behind the Scenes - Native Instruments Showcase

Native Instruments is my DJ brand of choice. I use both Traktor Pro and Maschine in my setup, combined with Hercules RMX midi and some Ableton integration when I'm teaching myself/learning more basic production skills. This video showcases a lot of NI tools and techniques in a really cool way - by creating an "electronic super group" of DJs, artists and producers. Mostly Robot is DJ Shiftee, Jamie Lidell, Jeremy Ellis, Mr. Jimmy and Tim Exile. Each artist has their own specialty that is showcased with a different Native Instruments tool or functionality. Check it out:

Rare Korean Jazz Grooves by DJ Soulscape - Turntable Lab Radio Mix

I've been listening to a lot of Turntable Lab Radio over the last few weeks, digging into their mix archives. This particular mix has really held my attention - it's all vinyl rare Korean jazz from DJ Soulscape - a Korean DJ and producer based out of Seoul.

Here's more about DJ Soulscape from The Creators Project: "DJ Soulscape is a wildly impressive Korean DJ and producer based out of Seoul. Deeply influenced by 80s hip-hop, his parents’ extensive collection of soul vinyl, and his engineering background, the musician is a culmination of diversity and contrast. Soulscape composes and arranges electronic symphonies reminiscent of K-pop, yet innovative in style and genre. The artist has been praised for his side project 360 Sound, a party series founded in 2005, that curates regular performances by influential Korean DJs."

Check out his Turntable Lab Radio mix here, and learn more about his approach to mixing and producing via The Creators Project:

Jeremy Ellis & Maschine (Native Instruments) - Master of the Pads - never gets old

I just bought the Native Instruments Maschine groove pad and production studio software. I've been amazed at the power of this thing for a few years and finally pulled the trigger in getting one. Now that I have it, I've been immersing myself in tutorials and videos that I find inspirational and help spark my creativity. Jeremy Ellis is particularly inspiring. Thanks to the team at MC Audio in Madison for hooking me up with the product at a great price.

Future of TRAKTOR

Traktor has released a sneak peak at new technology that combines the best of DJ tech with real-time production technology and workflow. I'm really excited for this 1) because it will enable a whole host of plug and play and all-in-one opportunities for real time mixing and production - there is a ton of creative room and potential here, especially for experienced producers who want to DJ, or experienced DJs who want to produce; and 2) because I think this will also make producing more accessible for DJs who aspire to produce more. Some may say that sux - why would we want to get newbies into producing the same way digital DJing has enabled scores of amateur DJs to dilute the pool of talent. But I'm a firm believer that the more opportunity and capability people have to be creative just inspires everyone and puts more ideas out there for people to build on. So bring it Traktor - keep innovating with the technology - I can't wait to see this hybrid tech when it comes out.